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Judge announces intended sentence for suspect in fatal stabbing

A woman will spend decades in prison for stabbing a woman during a large fight outside a Baltimore restaurant last year, a judge announced Tuesday. Michelle Johnson, 23, was sentenced to life in prison with all but 35 years suspended and three years of probation.\ Johnson stabbed Carla Harrison multiple times in the chest and stomach on April 4, 2015. Police and relatives said the altercation started with an argument, but no one seems to know why it escalated to murder.

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Michelle Johnson, 23, was sentenced to life in prison with all but 35 years suspended and three years of probation.

Johnson stabbed Carla Harrison multiple times in the chest and stomach on April 4, 2015. Police and relatives said the altercation started with an argument, but no one seems to know why it escalated to murder.

According to police, officers saw two groups of women arguing in the 2800 block of Edmondson Avenue in west Baltimore. The officers got them to separate and leave the area, but 15 minutes later, the same officers noticed a large group of people outside a carryout restaurant. Police said the officers saw Johnson run away and hide behind a dumpster. They asked her about blood on her clothing, and she told them it wasn't hers.

Police said officers found Harrison inside the restaurant. Surveillance video showed a fight with Johnson holding some type of sharp object in her hand, making slashing motions. Police did not find the weapon at the carryout restaurant.

Johnson pleaded guilty to first-degree murder.

Determined to come to Circuit Court in Baltimore City, Harrison's grandmother, Lucy Morton, only had one thing on her mind.

"At least now, I hope, I can get the justice I want for my granddaughter," Morton said. "The girl, she killed her for no reason. It was senseless."

Johnson cried Tuesday when hearing the sentence that Judge Charles Peters announced he is planning to impose as part of a plea agreement.

Morton said the tragedy of losing her granddaughter is tough to handle.

"Horrible. Her mother wasn't able to come. She has been sick since this happened. That was her only child. It's hard for the whole family," Morton said.

Johnson's attorney, family and friends declined to comment. Her sentencing is set for April 28.